Fulham have hit back at suggestions they were ill-prepared for the international friendly between Brazil and Ghana after fans claimed they were crushed outside the ground when collecting tickets.

Craven Cottage played host the high-profile friendly - won 1-0 by the South Americans thanks to Leandro Damiao's goal - and attracted a larger than expected crowd, many of whom had arranged collection of tickets on site.

Thousands packed the streets around the ground shortly before kick off, but were met by chaotic scenes and just four members of staff on duty to check emails and credit card details.

Samba style: Brazil's Leandro Damiao scored the winning goal, but some fans were left angry

One eyewitness claimed: 'There was no queuing system, no barriers and for a long time, no police presence. There were, however, a lot of crushed people. I was pretty concerned.

'At one point, stewards were forced through the crowd in a bid to get a fainting victim out of the crush.'

They added in the Evening Standard: 'At 8.35pm, having been in the crush since 7.20pm, I gave up and left. I will be seeking a refund.'

Main event: The game is part of Brazil's extended tour of the world for friendlies

Fulham, though, released a statement claiming that a 'carnival atmosphere' outside the ground led to issues that arose.

It continued: 'A large proportion of the crowd arrived late and without tickets, and those with tickets chose not to enter the stadium and remained on the streets, causing a period of congestion prior to kick off around ticket collection points and turnstiles.

'However, the majority of fans eventually entered safely and without further issues.'

Meanwhile, new signing Zdenek Grygera admits the chance to play in the Barclays Premier League was too big an opportunity to turn down.

The 31-year-old Czech defender was one of three first-team reinforcements brought in by Martin Jol on deadline day, along with Twente's Bryan Ruiz and Portuguese striker Orlando Sa.

Grygera joins the west Londoners after a spell with Juventus and admitted he cannot wait to get his first taste of English football.

'In the short time that I've been at Fulham I must say that everyone, from the players to staff, has been very welcoming,' he told the club's official website. 'I feel really good and at home already. I'm really happy that I'm able to write another page in my career and experience something new.

Ready for action: Zdenek Grygera joined Fulham late in August

'I think that I can bring a lot of experience to the team. I hope that everything will work out well here and that I will be able to provide something to the team.

'After having played for Ajax and Juventus, what's important for me now is to get used to English football and everything that is required from me to play well.

'The opportunity to play in the Premier League is a big thing for me. Now I want to concentrate on being here and doing well for Fulham in the Premier League.'